Arsenal of Alcohol

Bottles gives the Valley libation choices

Three thousand bottles, from as nearby as Arbor Crest Winery (less than two miles to the northeast) and as far as Israel, line the walls of Bottles in Millwood. What you can’t find can be special-ordered for you, but it’s difficult to imagine not finding something.

In the rear of the store you’ll find 12-ounce microbrews: cream ales, lagers, IPAs and stouts from far too many breweries to name. Make your own six-pack and get 10 percent off. There are also larger bottles of interesting varieties like the rare and ancient ale Birra Etrusca Bronze, brewed by Dogfish Head ($16). You will also find contemporary flavors from Ninkasi and Iron Horse Brewing; a magnificent espresso stout from Oakshire Brewing and ciders from Blue Mountain and Angry Orchard. But back to the wine.

Every shade of pinot is available on Bottle’s racks — grigio, noir, blanc — and they arrive from seemingly every region on the planet capable of supporting a vineyard: Spain, Italy, France, Argentina, Chile, Washington. Too many cabernet sauvignons to mention stand guard near the Sangiovese and chianti. Turn the corner to find sparkling dessert wines, rhubarb wine and spicy gluhwein. There is a wine for any occasion — Bitch Bubbly, Gaga Blanc, Vincent Girardin Graffigna Malbec. You might be wondering: who drinks all this stuff?

According to owner Jeff Postlewait, who also owns and manages the Rocket Bakeries with his wife Julia, Bottle’s patrons are Spokane Valley-ites.

“There was nothing really in the Valley that was concentrated on those types of things [eclectic beers and wines] so we created a great little shop for the neighborhood and the Valley,” says Postlewait.

And what do Valley-ites drink? According to Postlewaite, “They love Spokane and Washington-style wines. The Italians and French tend to be a bit drier. The Washington tends to be fruiter … oakier.”

Those in the Spokane region can stick to what they know. Or they can expand their palates and attend any one of Bottle’s free bi-monthly — sometimes weekly — wine tastings.